We all love to knock new technology it seems don’t we? For many of us, technology can be something of an Achilles heel and because we do not understand it, we go slightly negative and on the defensive! However, I have been genuinely taken aback by the initial feedback following the launch of the IIMS Marine Surveyor Search App last month. Comments received such as “Simplicity itself” and “Fabulous cutting-edge initiative IIMS” have certainly buoyed me up. One gets so close to these projects during the development phase, so it is pleasing to get positive early feedback from real users who see instant benefit. Interestingly only a handful of IIMS members have yet to download the App. I urge you to do so. Our developers, eDot Solutions, have released several updated versions and are continuing to look for ways to enhance the App and the experience of using it. Keep watching for more news. If you have yet to engage with the App, this link will help you do that.
Our first push PR campaign has seen 18 publications pick up and run the story about the new App, including titles as diverse as Boating Business to The Digital Ship and Sea Technology. The early stats are encouraging too with over one hundred App downloads in the first ten days. Downloads are being made daily and the number of users will grow exponentially as word gets out. Good to report that some activity between those looking for a marine surveyor and the members listed on the App has already taken place.
IIMS gets itself involved in some interesting projects from time to time. Recently, we have been invited to submit our thoughts with reference to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Legislation Committee inquiry into the performance of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority under Standing Order 25 (2) (a). In short, the Australian Government is assessing its maritime regulator and there are certainly areas for serious review and consideration it would seem. Adam Brancher, in conjunction with some of our members in Australia, has been leading this piece of work and we have made our final submission to the Committee with our views ahead of the 29 March deadline.
I wanted to mention my recent two-day trip to Malahide Marina, Dublin, the first such IIMS training event held in Ireland for many years. From the feedback received, it proved to be a huge success for all involved. Damian Offer was the perfect host. I am grateful to the gang of presenters who all made time to come and share their knowledge with delegates. I am sure we will be back!
My final word in this blog is to promote some first class training over the next couple of months. Just next week on 8th April, we hold one of our semi-regular tonnage measuring training days, this one in the UK at Itchenor Sailing Club near Chichester. For details click here.
Our annual Western Mediterranean Large Yacht & Small Craft Palma training event is confirmed for 25th to 27th April. As well as a couple of days of classroom based training, we have on offer a sea trial masterclass. Programme details and information are here.
And to end with, let me remind you that the IIMS London Conference 2019 taking place on 17th and 18th June is now firmly in sight. The one and a half day Conference offers some ‘heavyweight’ and impressive speaker content and is excellent value for money given what similar type of events want to charge these days! The first day is certainly more biased towards commercial ship surveyors, but the second day morning has much to interest yacht and small craft surveyors. And remember, this year you can join as an online only delegate and take a live feed of the proceedings. Full details are here.
Survey well.
Mike Schwarz
Chief Executive Officer
